The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has tasked members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to work together in confronting the security challenges facing the nation.
Ribadu stated this on Tuesday at the commissioning of a Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre in Abuja.
The NSA hinted that inter-agency cooperation is the way forward and the only solution to the nation’s myriad of problems.
He urged security agencies to imbibe the culture of joint operations, saying it would help curb insecurity.
“I encourage you to imbibe the attitude of practicing jointness. This is based on the fact that developments in modern warfare have shown that jointness is the way forward,” he said.
Ribadu, who lauded heads of security agencies in the country for improved collaboration since their appointment, highlighted the importance of jointness in an operational environment.
He said: “My remarks here will highlight the importance of this centre in promoting joint doctrine, guiding operations, and enhancing warfare planning in our armed forces.
“As we gather to commission this Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre today, our ambition of having a great armed forces is being revitalized.
“It will serve as a hub for knowledge sharing, as well as research and development in modern warfare.
“As we commission this centre, we embark on the journey of the Nigerian military characterized by enhanced collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking to strengthen our capabilities and effectiveness.
“As we move forward, I ask everyone to embrace the spirit of innovation, teamwork, and common learning.”
He charged the armed forces to harness the potential of the centre to drive progress, tackle complex challenges, and shape the future of the armed forces.
“As we move forward, it is our hope that this centre will meet the expectations of our national aspirations, drive innovation, and make a positive impact on our desire to advance our military in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, said there is no service or security agency that can tackle Nigeria’s security challenges alone, hence the need for all security agencies to work together.
He said: “Today is a pivotal moment for our armed forces and a testament to our commitment in safeguarding our nation.
“For long, the complexities of modern warfare have demanded a more integrated and joint approach.
“As we have seen firsthand, no single service or organization can address the multifaceted threats that we face.
“The battles we face must be confronted in joint domains, requiring seamless collaboration, shared understanding, and a common strategic vision.”
The CDS noted that the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre will serve as a hub where collective intellect from the services and other security agencies will converge to ensure they fight better and more efficiently.
“We will analyze emerging threats, experiment with innovative tactics, and prepare our forces to fight as one cohesive unit, regardless of their individual service affiliations.
“The centre will foster an environment of continuous learning, critical thinking, and inter-service dialogue. It will be a place where we break down problems, where ground forces understand the intricacies of naval power, where airmen appreciate the challenges of special operations, and where all branches learn to leverage each other’s strengths to achieve overwhelming superiority,” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Operations, Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, said the establishment of the centre was to consolidate jointness in the Armed Forces of Nigeria and address inherent challenges in some joint operational areas.
“These are challenges that require integrated defence doctrine and supporting structures. It is this gap that the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre seeks to fill,” he said.
He added that the centre is also in line with the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs’ leadership concepts, which speak to operating in a joint environment.
